Liverpool's title defence failing on set-pieces
Arne Slot believes Liverpool has no chance of finishing in the top four or top five of the Premier League table if ot continues to struggle with set-pieces at both ends.
Liverpool has endured a miserable defence of its Premier League title so far this season, but a recent upturn has it fifth on the table ahead of the festive fixture against rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers, with fourth-placed Chelsea only above it on goal difference.
That is despite the Reds having a dreadful record from both attacking and defensive dead-ball situations.
Indeed, only Wolves (one) has scored fewer Premier League goals from set-pieces this season than Liverpool (three, level with Brentford, excluding penalties).
At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool's 11 goals conceded from set-pieces are also the Premier League's joint-second most, with only Bournemouth (11) proving more porous.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all in double figures for set-piece goals scored this term, Slot believes Liverpool has neglected a key part of the modern game.
"I know the importance of it, it gets more and more [important], and that's why we are so annoyed by our current record," Slot said.
"It's a big frustration we are where we are this season because when we were halfway through last season, we had not conceded one set-piece goal.
"It's impossible to be top four, or top five, with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league.
"We are the only team at the top end of the table that has a negative set-piece balance. And not only are we negative, we are on minus-eight and still on equal points with fourth.
"But if we are minus-eight... you look at that, you could say how special it is that we have as many points as we have.
"We all know why, because in open-play chances created, we are number one in the league."
After facing Wolves, Liverpool will be at home to Leeds United on New Year's day.
